Overview
This lecture explains the Working Memory Model developed by Baddeley and Hitch, breaking down its four main components and their functions in processing short-term memory.
Memory Models in Psychology
- Memory models are theoretical representations of how mental processes like memory work.
- The multi-store model viewed short-term memory as a single store, which was too simple.
The Working Memory Model
- Working memory (another term for short-term memory) both stores and processes information during complex tasks.
- The Working Memory Model divides short-term memory into four main components.
Components of Working Memory
Phonological Loop
- Processes sound-based information and consists of two subcomponents:
- Articulatory Control Process ("inner voice"): rehearses verbal information and helps prepare speech.
- Phonological Store ("inner ear"): receives and temporarily stores sound and speech.
- Overloading the phonological loop (e.g., listening and writing simultaneously) can impair memory.
Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad
- Known as the "inner eye," responsible for processing visual and spatial information.
- Helps visualize objects, scenes, and spatial navigation.
- Combining visual and verbal information enhances learning (dual coding).
Central Executive
- The central executive manages, prioritizes, and allocates attention to the other working memory components.
- Decides what information to focus on and what to ignore.
- Coordinates the activities of the "slave systems" (phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad).
Episodic Buffer
- Integrates information from the phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad, and long-term memory.
- Temporary storage for combined visual, spatial, and verbal information.
- Allows manipulation and integration of information from multiple sources.
Application Example
- Counting windows in your home uses the episodic buffer (recalling layout from long-term memory), visual-spatial sketchpad (visualizing windows), phonological loop (counting), and central executive (allocating attention).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Working Memory — short-term memory system responsible for holding and processing information.
- Phonological Loop — component that processes auditory and verbal information.
- Articulatory Control Process — subcomponent for verbal rehearsal (inner voice).
- Phonological Store — subcomponent for storing heard sounds (inner ear).
- Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad — processes visual and spatial information (inner eye).
- Central Executive — manages attention and controls other components.
- Episodic Buffer — integrates information from different sources, including long-term memory.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Consider creating diagrams to combine visual and verbal information for better memory (dual coding).
- Watch the follow-up video on research evidence and evaluation of the working memory model.